Ben Llewellyn-Jones, the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Lagos, has demonstrated an impeccable style of leadership. He is set to depart the country by the end of this week.
Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones was (re)appointed in the year 2020 as the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos. That year rings bell, right; COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges. Previously, he worked at the British High Commission in Abuja in the role of Political Counsellor from July 2014 to July 2017.
Well, Ben and his family settled down quickly as they felt at ‘home’ in Nigeria. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Today, the results are glaring.
Wednesday evening the Uk’s Mission in Nigeria organized a farewell reception in honour of Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones & his wife Laura.
He had a side-chat with the media where he spoke about his call-up to serve in Lagos, Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential election, trade and investments, youth development, education, and his fondness for Nigeria’s food.
Mr. Llewellyn-Jones spoke passionately about the Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. He has been wowed by the resilience, talents and the innovative milieu of startups ecosystem.
What was the feeling like the time you received a letter of [re]appointment to come serve in Lagos (Nigeria)?
“So, this was my second posting in Nigeria; three years in Abuja, and I came back to work here in Lagos. And I was very keen to come back and it’s been a fantastic three years. Lagos is such an exciting and vibrant place. My wife, my family; we are very excited to return.
Speaking further about UK-Nigeria trade and investments during his time as the Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Llewellyn-Jones said:
“I think it’s incredibly strong. And I’m always struck by how often I come across links that even I’m not aware of people so people need music, culture, sport. And if you add to that the incredible trade investment and also government to government dialogue we have in respect to development and foreign policy. I think it’s a very, very strong, very vibrant, very current relationship. So, I’m sure it will go from strength to strength, but it’s been an incredibly strong relationship in the time that I’ve been here”.
TechEconomy further asked Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones to assess the tech ecosystem in Nigeria based on his experience in the past three year.
He responded this way;
“I think it’s one of those spaces which we’ve seen real growth. People have described the Nigerian tech ecosystem in different ways, but I think there’s more still that’s happening. I think it’s incredible. It shows the creativity, entrepreneurship and materials in this country. I think it also shows the skill levels in that particular space, which is really exciting. And through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub and other interventions, we are trying really hard to make sure there’s good partnerships between UK tech firms, UK investors, material partners, interior and the Nigerian counterparts to really profit from each other. And I think there’s lots more we can do together and for me as well. It’s exciting. It is not just about tech; it’s about how tech applies to agriculture, development, health and we’ve seen some really impressive UK-Nigerian partnerships in that space as well”.
UK investments in the Nigerian tech space have focused, majorly, on climate change related products or services. Is that a deliberate move?
“We’re encouraging investment across the board, of course, but we’re really keen to try and encourage investment in a non-fossil fuel space to try and grow Nigeria’s economy, but also in areas where Nigeria has needs and real edge. And I think when it comes to climate change as regards some of the work that’s being done here in Nigeria to deal with those issues, for example, on drug resistant seeds; Nigeria really has some cutting-edge technology.
Speaking further, he said that UK Government will continue to support entrepreneurs in Nigeria, especially the women-led businesses.
“We are trying to help women and girls to have access to digital skills. I think that’s really fundamental for more women and girls to be able to access and work in the digital space. And when it comes to female founders, there’s some really prominent ones, some really amazing ones. I think it’s about making sure that the best ideas are able to come forward. And from our side we’ve been trying to connect the female founders and the male tech entrepreneurs too, with investors; trying to help them to prepare their pitches, trying to make sure they find the right connections and ensure their ideas can be forwarded properly. I’m sure we should do more of that.
His full biography is available HERE.
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